Imaging systems and methods for generating image data

ABSTRACT

An imaging system having a first laser emitting a light beam to illuminate the object is provided. The system includes first and second beam splitters. The first beam splitter combines a first light beam portion and a third light beam portion emitted from a second laser to form a first interference pattern. The second beam splitter combines a second light beam portion and a fourth light beam portion to form a second interference pattern. The system includes digital cameras generating raw image data based on the first and second interference patterns, and a computer processing the raw image data to obtain synthetic image plane data.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This patent application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 12/820,539, filed Jun. 22, 2010, entitled “IMAGING SYSTEMS ANDMETHODS FOR GENERATING IMAGE DATA”, which in turn claims priority toU.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/219,361, filed Jun. 22,2009, entitled “COMBINATION OF MULTIPLE APERTURE AND SYNTHETIC APERTUREHOLOGRAPHIC IMAGING LADAR”, both of which are incorporated by referenceherein in their entireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Systems have been developed to generate images of objects. However, theresolution of an image of an object is limited by a fixed diameter of atelescope aperture receiving light from the object.

Accordingly, it is desirable to have an improved imaging system thatgenerates a high-resolution image of an object.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An imaging system for generating synthetic image plane data associatedwith an object is provided. The imaging system includes a first laserconfigured to emit a light beam to illuminate the object. The imagingsystem further includes first and second afocal telescopes configured tocollimate and condense first and second light beam portions,respectively, reflected from the object at the first and second times,respectively, when the imaging system is at first and second positions,respectively. The imaging system further includes a first beam splitterconfigured to combine the first light beam portion from the first afocaltelescope and a third light beam portion emitted from a second laser toform a first interference pattern. The imaging system further includes asecond beam splitter configured to combine the second light beam portionfrom the second afocal telescope and a fourth light beam portion emittedfrom the second laser to form a second interference pattern. The imagingsystem further includes a first digital camera configured to receive thefirst interference pattern and to generate first raw image data based onthe first interference pattern. The imaging system further includes asecond digital camera configured to receive the second interferencepattern and to generate second raw image data based on the secondinterference pattern. The imaging system further includes a computerconfigured to process the first and second raw image data to obtainfirst combined complex synthetic pupil data. The computer is furtherconfigured to process the first combined complex synthetic pupil data togenerate first synthetic image plane data corresponding to the object.

A method for generating synthetic image plane data associated with anobject is provided. The method includes emitting a light beam toilluminate the object utilizing a first laser. The method furtherincludes collimating and condensing first and second light beam portionsutilizing first and second afocal telescopes, respectively, reflectedfrom the object at first and second times, respectively, when theimaging system is at first and second positions, respectively. Themethod further includes combining the first light beam portion from thefirst afocal telescope and a third light beam portion emitted from asecond laser to form a first interference pattern utilizing a first beamsplitter. The method further includes combining the second light beamportion from the second afocal telescope and a fourth light beam portionemitted from the second laser to form a second interference patternutilizing a second beam splitter. The method further includes receivingthe first interference pattern and generating first raw image data basedon the first interference pattern utilizing a first digital camera. Themethod further includes receiving the second interference pattern andgenerating second raw image data based on the second interferencepattern utilizing a second digital camera. The method further includesprocessing the first and second raw image data to obtain first combinedcomplex synthetic pupil data utilizing a computer, and processing thefirst combined complex synthetic pupil data to generate first syntheticimage plane data corresponding to the object utilizing the computer.

An imaging system for generating synthetic image plane data associatedwith an object is provided. The imaging system includes a first laserconfigured to emit a light beam to illuminate the object. The imagingsystem further includes a first afocal telescope configured to collimateand condense first and second light beam portions reflected from theobject at the first and second times, respectively, when the imagingsystem is at first and second positions, respectively. The imagingsystem further includes a first beam splitter configured to combine thefirst light beam portion from the first afocal telescope and a thirdlight beam portion emitted from a second laser to form a firstinterference pattern. The first beam splitter is further configured tocombine the second light beam portion from the first afocal telescopeand a fourth light beam portion emitted from the second laser to form asecond interference pattern. The imaging system further includes a firstdigital camera configured to receive the first and second interferencepatterns and to generate first and second raw image data, respectively,based on the first and second interference patterns, respectively. Theimaging system further includes a computer configured to process thefirst and second raw image data to obtain first combined complexsynthetic pupil data. The computer is further configured to process thefirst combined complex synthetic pupil data to generate first syntheticimage plane data corresponding to the object.

A method for generating synthetic image plane data associated with anobject is provided. The method includes emitting a light beam toilluminate the object utilizing a first laser. The method furtherincludes collimating and condensing first and second light beam portionsreflected from the object at the first and second times, respectively,when the imaging system is at first and second positions, respectively,utilizing a first afocal telescope. The method further includescombining the first light beam portion from the first afocal telescopeand a third light beam portion emitted from a second laser to form afirst interference pattern utilizing a first beam splitter, andcombining the second light beam portion from the first afocal telescopeand a fourth light beam portion emitted from the second laser to form asecond interference pattern utilizing the first beam splitter. Themethod further includes generating first and second raw image data,respectively, based on the first and second interference patterns,respectively, utilizing a first digital camera. The method furtherincludes processing the first and second raw image data to obtain firstcombined complex synthetic pupil data, utilizing a computer, andprocessing the first combined complex synthetic pupil data to generatefirst synthetic image plane data corresponding to the object utilizingthe computer.

An imaging system for generating synthetic image plane data associatedwith an object is provided. The imaging system includes a laserconfigured to emit a light beam to illuminate the object. The imagingsystem further includes first and second afocal telescopes configured tocollimate and condense first and second light beam portions,respectively, reflected from the object at the first and second times,respectively, when the imaging system is at first and second positions,respectively. The imaging system further includes a first beam splitterconfigured to combine the first light beam portion from the first afocaltelescope and a third light beam portion emitted from the laser to forma first interference pattern. The imaging system further includes asecond beam splitter configured to combine the second light beam portionfrom the second afocal telescope and a fourth light beam portion emittedfrom the laser to form a second interference pattern. The imaging systemfurther includes a first digital camera configured to receive the firstinterference pattern and to generate first raw image data based on thefirst interference pattern. The imaging system further includes a seconddigital camera configured to receive the second interference pattern andto generate second raw image data based on the second interferencepattern. The imaging system further includes a computer configured toprocess the first and second raw image data to obtain first combinedcomplex synthetic pupil data. The computer is further configured toprocess the first combined complex synthetic pupil data to generatefirst synthetic image plane data corresponding to the object.

A method for generating synthetic image plane data associated with anobject is provided. The method includes emitting a light beam toilluminate the object utilizing a laser. The method further includescollimating and condensing first and second light beam portions,respectively, reflected from the object at the first and second times,respectively, utilizing first and second afocal telescopes,respectively, when the imaging system is at first and second positions,respectively. The method further includes combining the first light beamportion from the first afocal telescope and a third light beam portionemitted from the laser to form a first interference pattern utilizing afirst beam splitter. The method further includes combining the secondlight beam portion from the second afocal telescope and a fourth lightbeam portion emitted from the laser to form a second interferencepattern utilizing a second beam splitter. The method further includesgenerating first and second raw image data based on the first and secondinterference patterns, respectively, utilizing first and second digitalcameras, respectively. The method further includes processing the firstand second raw image data to obtain first combined complex syntheticpupil data utilizing a computer, and processing the first combinedcomplex synthetic pupil data to generate first synthetic image planedata corresponding to the object utilizing the computer.

An imaging system for generating synthetic image plane data associatedwith an object is provided. The imaging system includes a laserconfigured to emit a light beam to illuminate the object. The imagingsystem further includes a first afocal telescope configured to collimateand condense first and second light beam portions reflected from theobject at first and second times, respectively, when the imaging systemis at first and second positions, respectively. The imaging systemfurther includes a first beam splitter configured to combine the firstlight beam portion from the first afocal telescope and a third lightbeam portion emitted from the laser to form a first interferencepattern. The first beam splitter is further configured to combine thesecond light beam portion from the first afocal telescope and a fourthlight beam portion emitted from the laser to form a second interferencepattern. The imaging system further includes a first digital cameraconfigured to receive the first and second interference patterns and togenerate first and second raw image data, respectively, based on thefirst and second interference patterns, respectively. The imaging systemfurther includes a computer configured to process the first and secondraw image data to obtain first combined complex synthetic pupil data.The computer is further configured to process the first combined complexsynthetic pupil data to generate first synthetic image plane datacorresponding to the object.

A method for generating synthetic image plane data associated with anobject utilizing an imaging system is provided. The method includesemitting a light beam to illuminate the object utilizing a laser. Themethod further includes collimating and condensing first and secondlight beam portions reflected from the object at first and second times,respectively, when the imaging system is at first and second positions,respectively, utilizing a first afocal telescope. The method furtherincludes combining the first light beam portion from the afocaltelescope and a third light beam portion emitted from the laser to forma first interference pattern, utilizing a first beam splitter, andcombining the second light beam portion from the afocal telescope and afourth light beam portion emitted from the laser to form a secondinterference pattern, utilizing the first beam splitter. The methodfurther includes generating first and second raw image data based on thefirst and second interference patterns, respectively, utilizing a firstdigital camera. The method further includes processing the first andsecond raw image data to obtain first combined complex synthetic pupildata utilizing a computer, and processing the first combined complexsynthetic pupil data to generate first synthetic image plane datacorresponding to the object utilizing the computer.

A method for combining image data of an object is provided. The methodincludes accessing a matrix having first, second, third and fourth rawimage data utilizing a computer. The first row of the matrix has thefirst and second raw image data therein. The second row of the matrixhas the third and fourth raw image data therein. A first column of thematrix has the first and third raw image data therein. At least of aportion of the first and second raw image data overlap each other, andat least a portion of the third and fourth raw image data overlap eachother. At least a portion of the first and third raw image data overlapeach other, and at least a portion of the second and fourth raw imagedata overlap each other. The method includes generating first, second,third, and fourth complex pupil data based on the first, second, thirdand fourth raw image data, respectively, utilizing the computer. Iffirst combined synthetic pupil data cannot be generated based on thefirst and second complex pupil data, then the method further includesgenerating second combined synthetic pupil data based on the first andthird complex pupil data utilizing the computer. Further, the methodincludes generating third combined complex pupil data based on the thirdand fourth complex pupil data utilizing the computer. Further, themethod includes generating fourth combined complex pupil data based onthe second and fourth complex pupil data utilizing the computer.Further, the method includes storing the second, third, and fourthcombined synthetic pupil data in a memory device utilizing the computer.

A system for combining image data of an object is provided. The systemincludes a memory device having a matrix with first, second, third andfourth raw image data stored therein. The first row of the matrix hasthe first and second raw image data therein. The second row of thematrix has the third and fourth raw image data therein. A first columnof the matrix has the first and third raw image data therein. At leastof a portion of the first and second raw image data overlap each other,and at least a portion of the third and fourth raw image data overlapeach other. At least a portion of the first and third raw image dataoverlap each other, and at least a portion of the second and fourth rawimage data overlap each other. The system further includes a computeroperably coupled to the memory device. The computer is configured togenerate first, second, third, and fourth complex pupil data based onthe first, second, third and fourth raw image data, respectively. Iffirst combined synthetic pupil data cannot be generated based on thefirst and second complex pupil data, then the computer is furtherconfigured to generate second combined synthetic pupil data based on thefirst and third complex pupil data. The computer is further configuredto generate third combined complex pupil data based on the third andfourth complex pupil data. The computer is further configured togenerate fourth combined complex pupil data based on the second andfourth complex pupil data. The computer is further configured to storethe second, third, and fourth combined synthetic pupil data in thememory device.

A method for combining image data of an object is provided. The methodincludes accessing a matrix having first, second, third and fourth rawimage data utilizing a computer. The first row of the matrix has thefirst and second raw image data therein. The second row of the matrixhas the third and fourth raw image data therein. A first column of thematrix has the first and third raw image data therein. At least of aportion of the first and second raw image data overlap each other, andat least a portion of the third and fourth raw image data overlap eachother. At least a portion of the first and third raw image data overlapeach other, and at least a portion of the second and fourth raw imagedata overlap each other. The method further includes generating first,second, third, and fourth complex pupil data based on the first, second,third and fourth raw image data, respectively, utilizing the computer.If first combined synthetic pupil data cannot be generated based on thefirst and third complex pupil data utilizing the computer, then themethod further includes generating second combined synthetic pupil databased on the third and fourth complex pupil data utilizing the computer.The method further includes generating third combined complex pupil databased on the second and fourth complex pupil data utilizing thecomputer. The method further includes generating fourth combined complexpupil data based on the first and second complex pupil data utilizingthe computer. The method further includes storing the second, third, andfourth combined synthetic pupil data in a memory device utilizing thecomputer.

A system for combining image data of an object is provided. The systemincludes a memory device having a matrix with first, second, third andfourth raw image data stored therein. The first row of the matrix hasthe first and second raw image data therein. The second row of thematrix has the third and fourth raw image data therein. A first columnof the matrix has the first and third raw image data therein. At leastof a portion of the first and second raw image data overlap each other,and at least a portion of the third and fourth raw image data overlapeach other. At least a portion of the first and third raw image dataoverlap each other, and at least a portion of the second and fourth rawimage data overlap each other. The system further includes a computeroperably coupled to the memory device. The computer is configured togenerate first, second, third, and fourth complex pupil data based onthe first, second, third and fourth raw image data, respectively. Iffirst combined synthetic pupil data cannot be generated based on thefirst and third complex pupil data, then the computer is furtherconfigured to generate second combined synthetic pupil data based on thethird and fourth complex pupil data. The computer is further configuredto generate third combined complex pupil data based on the second andfourth complex pupil data. The computer is further configured togenerate fourth combined complex pupil data based on the first andsecond complex pupil data. The computer is further configured to storethe second, third, and fourth combined synthetic pupil data in thememory device.

A method for combining image data of an object is provided. The methodincludes accessing a matrix having first, second, third and fourth rawimage data utilizing a computer. The first row of the matrix has thefirst and second raw image data therein. The second row of the matrixhas the third and fourth raw image data therein. A first column of thematrix has the first and third raw image data therein. At least of aportion of the first and second raw image data overlap each other, andat least a portion of the third and fourth raw image data overlap eachother. At least a portion of the first and third raw image data overlapeach other, and at least a portion of the second and fourth raw imagedata overlap each other. The method includes generating first, second,third, and fourth complex pupil data based on the first, second, thirdand fourth raw image data, respectively, utilizing the computer. Themethod further includes generating first combined synthetic pupil databased on the first and second complex pupil data utilizing the computer.The method further includes generating second combined synthetic pupildata based on the first and third complex pupil data utilizing thecomputer. The method further includes determining a first correlationvalue between the third and fourth complex pupil data utilizing thecomputer. The method further includes determining a second correlationvalue between the second and fourth complex pupil data utilizing thecomputer. If the first correlation value is greater than the secondcorrelation value, then the method includes only generating thirdcombined synthetic pupil data based on the third and fourth complexpupil data utilizing the computer. The method further includes storingthe first, second, and third combined synthetic pupil data in a memorydevice utilizing the computer.

A system for combining image data of an object is provided. The systemincludes a memory device having a matrix with first, second, third andfourth raw image data stored therein. The first row of the matrix hasthe first and second raw image data therein. The second row of thematrix has the third and fourth raw image data therein. A first columnof the matrix has the first and third raw image data therein. At leastof a portion of the first and second raw image data overlap each other,and at least a portion of the third and fourth raw image data overlapeach other. At least a portion of the first and third raw image dataoverlap each other, and at least a portion of the second and fourth rawimage data overlap each other. The system further includes a computeroperably coupled to the memory device. The computer is configured togenerate first, second, third, and fourth complex pupil data based onthe first, second, third and fourth raw image data, respectively. Thecomputer is further configured to generate first combined syntheticpupil data based on the first and second complex pupil data. Thecomputer is further configured to generate second combined syntheticpupil data based on the first and third complex pupil data. The computeris further configured to determine a first correlation value between thethird and fourth complex pupil data. The computer is further configuredto determine a second correlation value between the second and fourthcomplex pupil data. If the first correlation value is greater than thesecond correlation value, then the computer is further configured toonly generate third combined synthetic pupil data based on the third andfourth complex pupil data. The computer is further configured to storethe first, second, and third combined synthetic pupil data in the memorydevice.

These and other advantages and features will become more apparent fromthe following description taken in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject matter which is regarded as the invention is particularlypointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion ofthe specification. The foregoing and other features, and advantages ofthe invention are apparent from the following detailed description takenin conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a bottom view of an airplane having an imaging system inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the imaging system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged top view of the imaging system of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 shows movement of apertures of afocal telescopes over timeutilized in the imaging system of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 shows a matrix storing a plurality of raw image data obtainedfrom the afocal telescopes of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 shows a method for generating synthetic image plane datautilizing the imaging system of FIG. 2 in accordance with another aspectof the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing image data generated by the method ofFIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a schematic of a portion of the image data generated by themethod of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a schematic of a portion of the image data generated by themethod of FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is a schematic of a matrix storing a plurality of raw image datautilized by the system of FIG. 2;

FIGS. 11 and 12 show a method for generating synthetic image plane datain accordance with another aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a simplified schematic showing a plurality of raw image databeing generated by a plurality of afocal telescopes over time;

FIG. 14 is a side view of another imaging system in accordance withanother aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is an enlarged top view of the imaging system of FIG. 14;

FIGS. 16-18 show a method for generating synthetic image plane datautilizing the system of FIG. 14 in accordance with another aspect of thepresent invention;

FIG. 19 shows a method for combining image data in accordance withanother aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 20 shows another method for combining image data in accordance withyet another aspect of the present invention; and

FIG. 21 shows another method tor combining image data in accordance withstill another aspect of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an airplane 10 having an imaging system 20in accordance with the present invention is illustrated. In particular,the imaging system 20 is configured to generate high-resolution imagedata associated with remote objects. In the illustrated embodiment, theimaging system 20 is disposed on a moving airplane 10. The imagingsystem 20 includes two lasers, an array of afocal telescopes, anddigital cameras. Each afocal telescope has a corresponding digitalcamera receiving light therefrom. A first laser emits light toilluminate a remote object and portions of the light beam are reflectedback to the imaging system 20. A second laser emits another light beamhaving a same wavelength as the reflected light beam from a remoteobject illuminated by the first laser that is routed directly to each ofthe digital cameras.

When received light beam portions from the remote object are received bythe imaging system 20, the received light beam portions interfere withthe light beam portions from the second laser and form lightinterference patterns on the digital cameras. Each digital cameragenerates raw image data based on a respective interference pattern. Theplurality of raw image data generated by the digital cameras aremathematically combined in a computer to create a synthetic aperture(e.g., combined complex synthetic pupil data). Images can be generatedhaving a resolution commensurate with a diameter of the syntheticaperture. It should be noted that a synthetic aperture corresponds tosynthetic image plane data generated from light received by a pluralityof telescope apertures. The synthetic aperture of the imaging system 20has a resolution of 1-2 centimeters at a 10 kilometer range, forexample.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the imaging system 20 includes lasers 30,32, collimating lens 34, steering mirrors 36, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52,54, afocal telescopes 62, 64, 66, 68, 70, 72, 74, beam splitters 82, 84,86, 88, 90, 92, 94, digital cameras 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, 112, 114,fiber optical cables 120, 122, collimating lens 124, 126, a computer127, a memory device 128, a display device 135, and a housing 129.

The laser 32 is disposed within the housing 129. The laser 32 isconfigured to emit a light beam to illuminate an object 22, in responseto a control signal from the computer 127. The power level of lightbeams from the laser 32 is selected to provide a sufficient light beamreturn signal to the digital cameras. For example, for a 10 kilometerdistance between the laser 32 and the remote object 22, a power level ofabout 10 milli-Joules per pulse could be utilized. The pulse length oflight beam pulses is typically 10-100 nano-seconds, with a pulserepetition rate of 1000 Hertz. In alternative embodiments, the laser 32can be a Q-switch laser or a pulsed pump laser. Also, the laser 32 couldbe a mode-lock laser if shorter light beam pulses in the pico-second andfemto-second range is desired.

The laser 30 is also disposed within the housing 129. The laser 30 isconfigured to emit a light beam in response to a control signal from thecomputer 127. The wavelength of the light beams emitted by the laser 30is adjusted based on a relative doppler frequency difference between theemitted light beams of the laser 30 and the laser 32 measured by aseparate photodetector (not shown) coupled to the computer 127, tocorrect for a doppler shift in the reflected light beams from the object22. The power level of the laser 30 is selected to provide a sufficientreference light beam signal to the digital cameras. For example, a lightbeam power level of 50 milli-Watts continuous-wave (CW) from the laser30 is adequate. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the laser 30is a YAG CW laser. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the lasers30, 32 emit light beams having a wavelength of 1064 nano-meters, butother wavelengths in the visible and near-infrared band are alsoacceptable.

The collimating lens 34 is disposed within the housing 129 and isconfigured to receive the light beam from the laser 32 and to collimatethe light beam. The collimated light beam 180 is directed from thecollimating lens 34 towards the steering mirror 36.

The steering mirror 36 is disposed in the housing 129 and is configuredto reflect the light beam 180 from the collimating lens 34 through anaperture 178 of the housing 129 towards the object 22. Portions of thelight beam 180 are reflected from the object 22 toward the steeringmirrors 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52, 54.

The steering mirrors 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52, 54 are provided to receivelight beam portions reflected from the object 22 that pass through theaperture 179 of the housing 129. For example, the light beam portions182, 184, 186, 188 correspond to portions of the light beam 180reflected from the object 22. The steering mirrors 42, 44, 46, 48, 50,52, 54 reflect the received light beam portions toward the afocaltelescopes 62, 64, 66, 68, 70, 72, 74, respectively. In the illustratedembodiment, a first row of the steering mirrors including steeringmirrors 42, 44, 46, 48 is disposed above and adjacent to a second row ofmirrors including steering mirrors 50, 52, 54. In an alternativeembodiment, more than seven steering mirrors can be utilized or lessthan seven steering mirrors can be utilized.

The afocal telescopes 62, 64, 66, 68, 70, 72, 74 are configured tocollimate and condense received light beam portions reflected from theobject 22 over time as the imaging system 20 moves between positions.For example, the afocal telescopes 62, 64, 66, 68, 70, 72, 74 areconfigured to collimate and condense received light beam portionsreflected from the object 22 at first and second times, respectivelywhen the imaging system 20 is at first and second positions,respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, a first row of afocaltelescopes including afocal telescopes 62, 64, 66, 68 is disposed aboveand adjacent to a second row of afocal telescopes including afocaltelescopes 70, 72, 74. In an alternative embodiment, more than sevenafocal telescopes can be utilized or less than seven afocal telescopescan be utilized.

The afocal telescope 62 is provided to collimate and condense receivedlight beam portions from the steering mirror 42 and to direct the lightbeam portions toward the beam splitter 82. As illustrated, the afocaltelescope 62 includes lenses 130, 132 and a support structure (notshown) for holding the lenses 130, 132 thereon.

The afocal telescope 64 is provided to collimate and condense receivedlight beam portions from the steering mirror 44 and to direct the lightbeam portions toward the beam splitter 84. As illustrated, the afocaltelescope 64 includes lenses 134, 136 and a support structure (notshown) for holding the lenses 134, 136 thereon.

The afocal telescope 66 is provided to collimate and condense receivedlight beam portions from the steering mirror 46 and to direct the lightbeam portions toward the beam splitter 86. As illustrated, the afocaltelescope 66 includes lenses 138, 140 and a support structure (notshown) for holding the lenses 138, 140 thereon.

The afocal telescope 68 is provided to collimate and condense receivedlight beam portions from the steering mirror 48 and to direct the lightbeam portions toward the beam splitter 88. As illustrated, the afocaltelescope 68 includes leases 142, 144 and a support structure (notshown) for holding the lenses 142, 144 thereon.

The afocal telescope 70 is provided to collimate and condense receivedlight beam portions from the steering mirror 50 and to direct the lightbeam portions toward the beam splitter 90. As illustrated, the afocaltelescope 70 includes lenses 160, 162 and a support structure (notshown) for holding the lenses 160, 162 thereon.

The afocal telescope 72 is provided to collimate and condense receivedlight beam portions from the steering mirror 52 and to direct the lightbeam portions toward the beam splitter 92. As illustrated, the afocaltelescope 72 includes lenses 164, 166 and a support structure (notshown) for holding the lenses 164, 166 thereon.

The afocal telescope 74 is provided to collimate and condense receivedlight beam portions from the steering mirror 54 and to direct the lightbeam portions toward the beam splitter 94. As illustrated, the afocaltelescope 74 includes lenses 168, 170 and a support structure (notshown) for holding the lenses 168, 170 thereon.

In an alternative embodiment, the pair of lenses in each of the afocaltelescopes 62, 64, 66, 68, 70, 72, 74 are replaced by two or moremirrors.

The beam splitters 82, 84, 86, 88, 90, 92, 94 are configured to combinefirst, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh light beam portionsfrom the afocal telescope 62, 64, 66, 68, 70, 72, 74, respectively, withlight beam portions 190, 191, 192, 193, 194, 195, 196, respectively,from the laser 30 to form interference patterns 200, 202, 204, 206, 208,210, 212, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the beamsplitters 82, 84, 86, 88 are aligned with one another such that a lightbeam from the laser 30 is transmitted through the fiber optical cable120 and the collimating lens 124 such that the beam splitters 82, 84,86, 88 receive light beam portions 190, 191, 192, 193, respectively.Also, the beam splitters 90, 92, 94 are aligned with one another suchthat a light beam from the laser 30 is transmitted through the fiberoptical cable 122 and the collimating lens 126 such that the beamsplitters 90, 92, 94 receive the light beam portions 194, 195, 196respectively.

The digital cameras 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, 112, 114 are configured toreceive the interference patterns 200, 202, 204, 206, 208, 210, 212,respectively, and to generate first, second, third, fourth, fifth,sixth, seventh raw image data, respectively, based on the interferencepatterns 200, 202, 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, respectively. The digitalcameras transmit the plurality of raw image data to the computer 127which processes the raw image data to obtain a synthetic image planedata for generating high-resolution images of the object 22 as will beexplained in greater detail below.

The computer 127 is operably coupled to the digital cameras 102, 104,106, 108, 110, 112, 114, the lasers 30, 32, the memory device 128, andthe display device 135. The computer 127 is configured to process thereceived raw image data to obtain a synthetic image plane dataassociated with the object 22. Further, the computer 127 is configuredto induce the display device 135 to display high-resolution images usingthe synthetic image plane data. The computer 127 is also configured tostore data described herein in the memory device 128 and to access thedata from the memory device 128.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, before describing the method for generatingsynthetic image plane data associated with an object, a briefdescription of the movement of apertures of the array of afocaltelescopes 62, 70, 64, 72, 66 and a matrix 238 storing a plurality ofraw image data associated with the afocal telescopes 62, 70, 64, 72, 66will be described. For purposes of simplicity, afocal telescopes 68, 74are not shown in FIG. 4. In particular, FIG. 4 illustrates the movementof apertures of the afocal telescopes 62, 70, 64, 72, 66 over time. Forexample, telescope 62 has an aperture “E” that moves to differentpositions at timesteps 11, 12, 13, 14. Similarly, the telescope 70 hasan aperture “D” that moves to different positions at timesteps 11, 12,13, 14. During movement of the afocal telescopes 62, 70, 64, 72, 66, theplurality of raw image data from the afocal telescopes are capturedevery time the afocal telescopes move less than one-half of an aperturediameter of one of the afocal telescopes. FIG. 5 illustrates how the rawimage data from the afocal telescopes is stored in the matrix 238 suchthat raw image data from a particular afocal telescope has approximatelya 50% overlap with four adjacent raw image data. The entry “D11”, forexample, in the matrix 238 corresponds to the raw image data obtainedfrom the afocal telescope 70 at the timestep 11.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, a method for generating synthetic imageplane data associated with the object 22 utilizing the imaging system 20will now be explained. For purposes of simplicity, the following methodwill be explained utilizing two telescopes that have first and secondraw image data that are processed and combined together to formsynthetic image plane data.

At step 240, the laser 32 emits a light beam.

At step 242, the steering mirror 36 reflects the light beam toward theobject 22 to illuminate the object 22.

At step 244, the steering mirrors 42, 50 receive first and second lightbeam portions, respectively, reflected from the object 22 and reflectthe first and second light beam portions, respectively, toward afocaltelescopes 62, 70 at first and second times, respectively.

At step 246, the afocal telescopes 62, 70 collimate and condense thefirst and second light beam portions at the first and second times,respectively, when the imaging system 20 is at first and secondpositions, respectively.

At step 248, the beam splitter 82 combines the first light beam portionfrom the afocal telescope 62 and a third light beam portion emitted fromthe laser 30 to form a first interference pattern.

At step 250, the beam splitter 90 combines the second light beam portionfrom the afocal telescope 70 and a fourth light beam portion emittedfrom the laser 30 to form a second interference pattern.

At step 252, the digital camera 102 receives the first interferencepattern and generates first raw image data 280 based on the firstinterference pattern.

At step 254, the digital camera 110 receives the second interferencepattern and generates second raw image data 300 based on the secondinterference pattern.

At step 258, the computer 127 processes the first and second raw imagedata 280, 300 to obtain first combined complex synthetic pupil data 306.

At step 260, the computer 127 applies a Fourier transform to the firstcombined complex synthetic pupil data 306 to generate first syntheticimage plane data 308 corresponding to the object 22 and stores the firstsynthetic image plane data 308 in the memory device 128.

Referring to FIGS. 7-9, a more detailed explanation of the step 258 forgenerating the first combined complex synthetic pupil data will now beexplained. It should be noted that the although the below methodology isexplained utilizing first and second raw image data obtained from firstand second distinct telescopes, the methodology could alternately beutilized with first and second raw image data obtained from a singletelescope at first and second times, respectively, to generate combinedcomplex synthetic pupil data.

First, the computer 127 applies a first Fourier transform to the firstraw image data 280 to obtain first image plane data 282. The first imageplane data 282 corresponds to a scalar electric field at a calculatedimage plane, but with terms that include: the object 22 (shown in FIG. 8as element 284), the reference laser beam from the laser 30, andcross-terms of the object 22 and the reference laser beam.

Second, the computer 127 selects a portion 284 of the first image planedata 282 and centers the portion of the first image plane data 282 andapplies a second Fourier transform to the portion of the first imageplane data to obtain first complex pupil data 286. As illustrated, thefirst complex pupil data 286 has two parts: (i) complex pupil amplitudedata 290, and (ii) complex pupil phase data 292. The complex pupilamplitude data 290 corresponds to a square root of an intensity of lightcoming from the object 22 as a function of x, y at the digital camerasensor plane. The complex pupil phase data 292 corresponds to awavefront height z of light coming from the object 22 as a function ofx, y at the digital camera sensor plane. Together, the complex pupilamplitude data 290 and the complex pupil phase data 292 describe ascalar electric field of light from the object 22 at the digital camerasensor plane.

Third, the computer 127 applies a third Fourier transform to the secondraw image data 300 to obtain second image plane data 302.

Fourth, the computer 127 selects a portion of the second image planedata 302 and centers the portion of the second image plane data andapplies a fourth Fourier transform to the portion of the second imageplane data to obtain second complex pupil data 304.

Fifth, the computer 127 determines an X-axis offset value, a Y-axisoffset value, and a yaw rotation offset value between the first andsecond complex pupil data 286, 304.

Sixth, the computer 127 applies a fifth Fourier transform to the firstcomplex pupil data 286 to obtain the portion 284 of the first imageplane data 286.

Seventh, the computer 127 applies a sixth Fourier transform to thesecond complex pupil data 304 to obtain the portion of the second imageplane data 302.

Eighth, the computer 127 determines a pitch angle offset value and aroll angle offset value between the portion 284 of the first image planedata 282 and the portion of the second image plane data 302.

Ninth, the computer 127 determines a Z-axis offset value between theportion 284 of the first image plane data 282 and the portion of thesecond image plane data 302.

Tenth, the computer 127 determines a correlation value associated withthe first and second complex pupil data 286, 304 utilizing the X-axisoffset value, the Y-axis offset value, the Z-axis offset value, the yawrotation offset value, the pitch angle offset value, and the roll angleoffset value.

Eleventh, the computer 127 makes a determination as to whether thecorrelation value is greater than a threshold value. If so, the computer127 determines the first combined complex synthetic pupil data 308utilizing the first and second complex pupil data 286, 304, the X-axisoffset value, the Y-axis offset value, the Z-axis offset value, the yawrotation offset value, the pitch angle offset value, and the roll angleoffset value.

Referring to FIG. 10, another schematic of matrix 238 that stores aplurality of raw image data obtained from the afocal telescopes utilizedby the imaging system 20 is illustrated. For example, the matrix 238 hasraw image data 332, 334, 336, 338, 340 associated with the telescope 62.Further, the matrix 238 has raw image data 342, 344, 346, 348, 350associated with the telescope 70. Further, the matrix 238 has raw imagedata 352, 354, 356, 358, 360 associated with the telescope 64. Further,the matrix 238 has raw image data 362, 364, 366, 368, 370 associatedwith the telescope 72. Further, the matrix 238 has raw image data 372,374, 376, 378, 380 associated with the telescope 66.

A recursive algorithm is utilized to access each raw image data and togenerate complex pupil data based on each raw image data. Further, therecursive algorithm combines the complex pupil data with each other toform a combined synthetic pupil data. In the illustrated embodiment, therecursive algorithm starts with the raw image data 356 and attempts tocombine its corresponding complex pupil data with complex pupil dataobtained from four adjacent raw image data components 346, 354, 358 and366. The recursive algorithm continues to process each of the raw imagedata components until all of the raw image data components are linkedtogether. A more detailed explanation of aspects of the recursivealgorithm will be provided hereinafter.

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, another method for generating syntheticimage plane data associated with the object 22 utilizing the imagingsystem 20 will now be explained. For purposes of simplicity, thefollowing method will be explained utilizing a first telescope that hasassociated first and second raw image data that are processed andcombined together to form a first combined synthetic image plane data,and a second telescope that has associated third and fourth raw imagedata that are processed and combined together to form a second combinedsynthetic image plane data.

At step 500, the laser 32 emits a light beam.

At step 502, the steering mirror 36 reflects the light beam toward theobject 22 to illuminate the object 22.

At step 504, the steering mirror 42 receives first and second light beamportions reflected from the object and reflects the first and secondlight beam portions toward the afocal telescope 62 at first and secondtimes, respectively.

At step 506, the afocal telescope 62 collimates and condenses the firstand second light beam portions at the first and second times,respectively, when the imaging system 20 is at first and secondpositions, respectively.

At step 508, the beam splitter 82 combines the first light beam portionfrom the afocal telescope 62 and a third light beam portion emitted fromthe laser 30 to form a first interference pattern.

At step 510, the beam splitter 82 combines the second light beam portionfrom the afocal telescope 62 and a fourth light beam portion emittedfrom the laser 30 to form a second interference pattern. The lasers 30,30 emit light beams at a same wavelength.

At step 512, the digital camera 102 receives the first and secondinterference patterns and generates first and second raw image data,respectively, based on the first and second interference patterns,respectively.

At step 514, the computer 127 processes the first and second raw imagedata to obtain first combined complex synthetic pupil data.

At step 516, the computer 127 processes the first combined complexsynthetic pupil data to generate first synthetic image plane datacorresponding to the object 22 and stores the first synthetic imageplane data in the memory device 128.

At step 518, the steering mirror 50 receives third and fourth light beamportions reflected from the object 22 and reflects the third and fourthlight beam portions toward the afocal telescope 70 at the first andsecond times, respectively.

At step 520, the afocal telescope 70 collimates and condenses the thirdand fourth light beam portions at the first and second times,respectively, when the imaging system 20 is at the first and secondpositions, respectively.

At step 522, the beam splitter 90 combines the third light beam portionfrom the afocal telescope 70 and a fifth light beam portion emitted fromthe laser 30 to form a third interference pattern.

At step 524, the beam splitter 90 combines the fourth light beam portionfrom the afocal telescope 70 and a sixth light beam portion emitted fromthe laser 30 to form a fourth interference pattern.

At step 526, the digital camera 110 receives the third and fourthinterference patterns and generates third and fourth raw image data,respectively, based on the third and fourth interference patterns,respectively.

At step 528, the computer 127 processes the third and fourth raw imagedata to obtain second combined complex synthetic pupil data.

At step 530, the computer 127 processes the second combined complexsynthetic pupil data to generate second synthetic image plane datacorresponding to the object 22 and stores the second synthetic imageplane data in the memory device 128.

Referring to FIG. 13, an explanation of an alternative methodology forcombining raw image data obtained from multiple afocal telescopes willbe explained. As shown, an array of telescopes 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52,54 moves over time and sweeps out a synthetic aperture. Raw image datafrom each telescope is combined together to form synthetic pupilstreams. Further, pupil streams from different telescopes are thencombined together to form synthetic image plane data corresponding to acomposite image of the object being viewed.

Referring now to FIGS. 14 and 15, another imaging system 620 forgenerating image data associated with an object 622 in accordance withthe invention is illustrated. The imaging system 620 includes a laser630, collimating lens 634, a steering mirrors 636, 642, 644, 646, 648,650, 652, 654, afocal telescopes 662, 664, 666, 668, 670, 672, 674, beamsplitters 682, 684, 686, 688, 690, 692, 694, digital cameras 702, 704,706, 708, 710, 712, 714, fiber optical cables 720, 722, collimating lens724, 726, a computer 727, a memory device 728, a display device 735, anda housing 729.

The laser 630 is disposed within the housing 129 and is configured toemit a light beam to illuminate the object 622 in response to a controlsignal from the computer 127. A portion of the light beam is directed bythe fiber optical cables 724, 726 to the beam splitters for generatinginterference patterns. The power level of the laser 630 is selected toprovide a sufficient return light beam signal to the digital cameras.For example, a light beam power level of 50 milli-Watts continuous-wave(CW) from the laser 630 is adequate. In the illustrated embodiment, thelaser 630 is a YAG CW laser. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, thelaser 630 emits light beams having a wavelength of 1064 nano-meters, butother wavelengths in the visible and near-infrared band are alsoacceptable.

The collimating lens 634 is disposed within the housing 729 and isconfigured to receive the light beam from the laser 630 and to collimatethe light beam. The collimated light beam 780 is directed from thecollimating lens 634 towards the steering mirror 636.

The steering mirror 636 is disposed in the housing 729 and is configuredto reflect the light beam 780 from the collimating lens 634 through anaperture 678 of the housing 729 towards the object 622. Portions of thelight beam 780 are reflected from the object 622 toward the steeringmirrors 642, 644, 646, 648, 650, 652, 654.

The steering mirrors 642, 644, 646, 648, 650, 652, 654 are provided toreceive light beam portion reflected from the object 622 that passthrough the aperture 679 of the housing 729. For example, the light beamportions 782, 784, 786, 788 correspond to portions of the light beam 780reflected from the object 622. The steering mirrors 642, 644, 646, 648,650, 652, 654 reflect the received light beam portions toward the afocaltelescopes 662, 664, 666, 668, 670, 672, 674, respectively. In theillustrated embodiment, a first row of the steering mirrors includingsteering mirrors 642, 644, 646, 648 is disposed above and adjacent to asecond row of mirrors including steering mirrors 650, 652, 654. In analternative embodiment, more than seven steering mirrors can be utilizedor less than seven steering mirrors can be utilized.

The afocal telescopes 662, 664, 666, 668, 670, 672, 674 are configuredto collimate and condense received light beam portions reflected fromthe object 622 over time as the imaging system 620 moves betweenpositions. For example, the afocal telescopes 662, 664, 666, 668, 670,672, 674 are configured to collimate and condense received light beamportions reflected from the object 22 at first and second times,respectively when the imaging system 620 is at first and secondpositions, respectively, and to direct the light beam portions towardthe beam splitters 682, 684, 686, 688, 690, 692, 694, respectively. Inthe illustrated embodiment, a first row of afocal telescopes includingafocal telescopes 662, 664, 666, 668 is disposed above and adjacent to asecond row of afocal telescopes including afocal telescopes 670, 672,674. In an alternative embodiment, more than seven afocal telescopes canbe utilized or less than seven afocal telescopes can be utilized.

The afocal telescope 662 is provided to collimate and condense receivedlight beam portions from the steering mirror 642 and to direct the lightbeam portions toward the beam splitter 682. As illustrated, the afocaltelescope 662 includes lenses 730, 732 and a support structure (notshown) for holding the lenses 730, 732 thereon.

The afocal telescope 664 is provided to collimate and condense receivedlight beam portions from the steering mirror 644 and to direct the lightbeam portions toward the beam splitter 684. As illustrated, the afocaltelescope 664 includes lenses 734, 736 and a support structure (notshown) for holding the lenses 734, 736 thereon.

The afocal telescope 666 is provided to collimate and condense receivedlight beam portions from the steering mirror 646 and to direct the lightbeam portions toward the beam splitter 686. As illustrated, the afocaltelescope 666 includes lenses 738, 740 and a support structure (notshown) for holding the lenses 738, 740 thereon.

The afocal telescope 668 is provided to collimate and condense receivedlight beam portions from the steering mirror 648 and to direct the lightbeam portions toward the beam splitter 688. As illustrated, the afocaltelescope 668 includes lenses 742, 744 and a support structure (notshown) for holding the lenses 742, 744 thereon.

The afocal telescope 670 is provided to collimate and condense receivedlight beam portions from the steering mirror 650 and to direct the lightbeam portions toward the beam splitter 690. As illustrated, the afocaltelescope 670 includes lenses 760, 762 and a support structure (notshown) for holding the lenses 760, 762 thereon.

The afocal telescope 672 is provided to collimate and condense receivedlight beam portions from the steering mirror 652 and to direct the lightbeam portions toward the beam splitter 692. As illustrated, the afocaltelescope 672 includes lenses 764, 766 and a support structure (notshown) for holding the lenses 764, 766 thereon.

The afocal telescope 674 is provided to collimate and condense receivedlight beam portions from the steering mirror 654 and to direct the lightbeam portions toward the beam splitter 694. As illustrated, the afocaltelescope 674 includes lenses 768, 770 and a support structure (notshown) for holding the lenses 768, 770 thereon.

In an alternative embodiment, the pair of lenses in each of the afocaltelescopes 662, 664, 666, 668, 670, 672, 674 are replaced by two or moremirrors.

The beam splitters 682, 684, 686, 688, 690, 692, 694 are configured tocombine first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh light beamportions from the afocal telescope 662, 664, 666, 668, 670, 672, 674,respectively, with light beam portions 790, 791, 792, 793, 794, 795,796, respectively, from the laser 630 to form interference patterns 800,802, 804, 806, 808, 810, 812, respectively. In the illustratedembodiment, the beam splitters 682, 684, 686, 688 are aligned with oneanother such that a light beam from the laser 630 is transmitted throughthe fiber optical cable 720 and the collimating lens 724 such that thebeam splitters 682, 684, 686, 688 receive the light beam portions 790,791, 792, 793, respectively. Also, the beam splitters 690, 692, 694 arealigned with one another such that a light beam from the laser 630 istransmitted through the fiber optical cable 722 and the collimating lens726 such that the beam splitters 690, 692, 694 receive the light beamportions 796, 795, 796 respectively.

The digital cameras 702, 704, 706, 708, 710, 712, 714 are configured toreceive the interference patterns 800, 802, 804, 806, 808, 810, 812,respectively, and to generate first, second, third, fourth, fifth,sixth, seventh raw image data, respectively, based on the interferencepatterns 800, 802, 804, 806, 808, 810, 812, respectively. The digitalcameras transmit a plurality of raw image data to the computer 727 whichprocesses the raw image data to obtain a synthetic image plane dataassociated with the object 622.

The computer 727 is operably coupled to the digital cameras 702, 704,706, 708, 710, 712, 714, the laser 630, the memory device 728, and thedisplay device 735. The computer 727 is configured to process thereceived raw image data to obtain a synthetic image plane dataassociated with the object 622 as will be explained in greater detailbelow. Further, the computer 127 is configured to induce the displaydevice 735 to display high-resolution images using the synthetic imageplane data. The computer 727 is also configured to store data describedherein in the memory device 728 and to access the data from the memorydevice 728.

Referring to FIG. 16, another method for generating synthetic imageplane data associated with the object 622 utilizing the imaging system620 will now be explained. For purposes of simplicity, the followingmethod will be explained utilizing a single laser and two telescopesphased with each other.

At step 840, the laser 630 emits a light beam.

At step 842, the steering mirror 636 reflects the light beam toward theobject 622 to illuminate the object 622.

At step 844, the steering mirrors 642, 650 receive first and secondlight beam portions, respectively, reflected from the object 622 andreflect the first and second light beam portions, respectively, towardafocal telescopes 662, 670 at first and second times, respectively.

At step 846, the afocal telescopes 662, 670 collimate and condense thefirst and second light beam portions, respectively, at the first andsecond times, respectively, when the imaging system 620 is at first andsecond positions, respectively.

At step 848, the beam splitter 682 combines the first light beam portionfrom the afocal telescope 662 and a third light beam portion emittedfrom the laser 630 to form a first interference pattern.

At step 850, the beam splitter 690 combines the second light beamportion from the afocal telescope 670 and a fourth light beam portionemitted from the laser 630 to form a second interference pattern.

At step 852, the digital camera 702 receives the first interferencepattern and generates first raw image data based on the firstinterference pattern.

At step 854, the digital camera 710 receives the second interferencepattern and generates second raw image data based on the secondinterference pattern.

At step 856, the computer 727 processes the first and second raw imagedata to obtain first combined complex synthetic pupil data.

At step 858, the computer 727 processes the first combined complexsynthetic pupil data to generate first synthetic image plane datacorresponding to the object 622 and stores the first synthetic imageplane data in the memory device 728.

Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18, another method for generating syntheticimage plane data associated with the object 622 utilizing the imagingsystem 620 will now be explained. For purposes of simplicity, thefollowing method will be explained utilizing a single laser and a firsttelescope phased with itself and a second telescope phased with itself.

At step 900, the laser 630 emits a light beam.

At step 902, the steering mirror 636 reflects the light beam toward theobject 622 to illuminate the object 622.

At step 904, the steering mirror 642 receives first and second lightbeam portions reflected from the object 622 and reflects the first andsecond light beam portions toward the afocal telescope 662 at first andsecond times, respectively.

At step 906, the afocal telescope 662 collimates and condenses the firstand second light beam portions at first and second times, respectively,when the imaging system 620 is at first and second positions,respectively.

At step 908, the beam splitter 682 combines the first light beam portionfrom the afocal telescope 662 and a third light beam portion emittedfrom the laser 630 to form a first interference pattern.

At step 910, the beam splitter 682 combines the second light beamportion from the afocal telescope 662 and a fourth light beam portionemitted from the laser 630 to form a second interference pattern.

At step 912, the digital camera 702 receives the first and secondinterference patterns and generates first and second raw image data,respectively, based on the first and second interference patterns,respectively.

At step 914, the computer 727 processes the first and second raw imagedata to obtain first combined complex synthetic pupil data.

At step 916, the computer 727 processes the first combined complexsynthetic pupil data to generate first synthetic image plane datacorresponding to the object 622 and stores the first synthetic imageplane data in the memory device 728.

At step 918, the steering mirror 650 receives third and fourth lightbeam portions reflected from the object 622 and reflects the third andfourth light beam portions toward the afocal telescope 670 at the firstand second times, respectively.

At step 920, the afocal telescope 670 collimates and condenses the thirdand fourth light beam portions at the first and second times,respectively, when the imaging system 620 is at the first and secondpositions, respectively.

At step 922, the beam splitter 690 combines the third light beam portionfrom the afocal telescope 670 and a fifth light beam portion emittedfrom the laser 630 to form a third interference pattern.

At step 924, the beam splitter 690 combines the fourth light beamportion from the afocal telescope 670 and a sixth light beam portionemitted from the laser 630 to form a fourth interference pattern.

At step 926, the digital camera 710 receives the third and fourthinterference patterns and generates third and fourth raw image data,respectively, based on the third and fourth interference patterns,respectively.

At step 928, the computer 727 processes the third and fourth raw imagedata to obtain second combined complex synthetic pupil data.

At step 930, the computer 727 processes the second combined complexsynthetic pupil data to generate second synthetic image plane datacorresponding to the object 622 and stores the second synthetic imageplane data in the memory device 728. In particular, the computer 727applies a Fourier transform to the second combined complex syntheticpupil data to generate the second synthetic image plane data.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 10 and 19, an alternative method utilized by therecursive algorithm for combining raw image data in the matrix 238 willnow be explained. For purposes of simplicity, when discussing the matrix238, it will be assumed that only four raw image data components arestored in the matrix 238. Further, the subject method will be discussedutilizing the imaging system 20.

At step 950, the memory device 128 stores the matrix 238 with raw imagedata 356, 358, 366, 368 stored therein. The first row of the matrix 238has the raw image data 356, 358 therein. The second row of the matrix238 has the raw image data 366, 368 therein. A first column of thematrix 238 having the raw image data 356, 366 therein. At least of aportion of the raw image data 356, 358 overlap each other, and at leasta portion of the raw image data 366, 368 overlap each other. At least aportion of the raw image data 356, 366 overlap each other, and at leasta portion of the raw image data 358, 368 overlap each other.

At step 950, the computer 127 generates first, second, third, and fourthcomplex pupil data based on the raw image data 356, 358, 366, 368,respectively.

At step 954, the computer 127 makes a determination as to whether thefirst combined synthetic pupil data can be generated based on the firstand second complex pupil data. If the value of step 954 equals “yes”,the method advances to step 956. Otherwise, the method advances to step960.

At step 956, the computer 127 generates first combined synthetic pupildata based on the first and second complex pupil data. After step 956,the method advances to step 958.

At step 958, the computer 127 stores the first synthetic pupil data inthe memory device 128. After step 958, the method advances to step 960.

Referring again to step 954, if the value of step 954 equals “no”, themethod advances to step 960. At step 960, the computer 127 generatessecond combined synthetic pupil data based on the first and thirdcomplex pupil data.

At step 962, the computer 127 generates third combined complex pupildata based on the third and fourth complex pupil data.

At step 964, the computer 127 generates fourth combined complex pupildata based on the second and fourth complex pupil data.

At step 966, the computer 127 stores the second, third, and fourthcombined synthetic pupil data in the memory device 128.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 10 and 20, yet another alternative method utilizedby the recursive algorithm for combining raw image data will now beexplained. For purposes of simplicity, when discussing the matrix 238,it will be assumed that only four raw image data components are storedin the matrix 238. Further, the following submethod will be discussedutilizing the imaging system 20.

At step 980, the memory device 128 stores the matrix 238 with raw imagedata 356, 358, 366, 368 stored therein. The first row of the matrix 238has the raw image data 356, 358 therein. The second row of the matrix238 has the raw image data 366, 368 therein. A first column of thematrix 238 having the raw image data 356, 366 therein. At least of aportion of the raw image data 356, 358 overlap each other, and at leasta portion of the raw image data 366, 368 overlap each other. At least aportion of the raw image data 356, 366 overlap each other, and at leasta portion of the raw image data 358, 368 overlap each other.

At step 982, the computer 127 generates first, second, third, and fourthcomplex pupil data based on the raw image data 356, 358, 366, 368,respectively.

At step 984, the computer 127 makes a determination as to whether thefirst combined synthetic pupil data can be generated based on the firstand third complex pupil data. If the value of step 984 equals “yes”, themethod advances to step 986. Otherwise, the method advances to step 990.

At step 986, the computer 127 generates first combined synthetic pupildata based on the first and third complex pupil data. After step 986,the method advances to step 988. After step 986, the method advances tostep 988.

At step 988, the computer 127 stores the first combined synthetic pupildata in the memory device 128.

Referring again to step 984, if the value of step 984 equals “no”, themethod advances to step 990. At step 990, the computer 127 generatessecond combined synthetic pupil data based on the third and fourthcomplex pupil data.

At step 992, the computer 127 generates third combined complex pupildata based on the second and fourth complex pupil data.

At step 994, the computer 127 generates fourth combined complex pupildata based on the first and second complex pupil data.

At step 996, the computer 127 stores the second, third, and fourthcombined synthetic pupil data in the memory device 128.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 10 and 21, still yet another alternative methodutilized by the recursive algorithm for combining raw image data willnow be explained. Tor purposes of simplicity, when discussing the matrix238, it will be assumed that only four raw image data components arestored in the matrix 238. Further, the following submethod will bediscussed utilizing the imaging system 20.

At step 1000, the memory device 128 stores the matrix 238 with raw imagedata 356, 358, 366, 368 stored therein. The first row of the matrix 238has the raw image data 356, 358 therein. The second row of the matrix238 has the raw image data 366, 368 therein. A first column of thematrix 238 having the raw image data 356, 366 therein. At least of aportion of the raw image data 356, 358 overlap each other, and at leasta portion of the raw image data 366, 368 overlap each other. At least aportion of the raw image data 356, 366 overlap each other, and at leasta portion of the raw image data 358, 368 overlap each other.

At step 1002, the computer 127 generates first, second, third, andfourth complex pupil data based on the raw image data 356, 358, 366,368, respectively.

At step 1004, the computer 127 generates first combined synthetic pupildata based on the first and second complex pupil data.

At step 1006, the computer 127 generates second combined synthetic pupildata based on the first and third complex pupil data.

At step 1008, the computer 127 determines a first correlation valuebetween the third and fourth complex pupil data.

At step 1010, the computer 127 determines a second correlation valuebetween the second and fourth complex pupil data.

At step 1012, the computer 127 makes a determination as to whether thefirst correlation value is greater than the second correlation value. Ifthe value of step 1012 equals “yes”, the method advances to step 1014.Otherwise, the method advances to step 1016.

At step 1014, the computer 127 generates third combined synthetic pupildata based on the third and fourth complex pupil data. After step 1014,the method advances to step 1016.

Referring again to step 1012, if the value of step 1012 equals “no”, themethod advances to step 1016. At step 1016, the computer 127 generatesthird combined synthetic pupil data based on the second and fourth andfourth complex pupil data.

At step 1018, the computer 127 stores the first, second, and thirdcombined synthetic pupil data in the memory device 128.

The imaging systems and methods disclosed herein provide substantialadvantages over other systems and methods. In particular, the imagingsystems and methods provide a technical effect of utilizing interferencepatterns to generate combined synthetic pupil data that can be utilizedto generate highly detailed images of remote objects.

While the invention has been described in detail in connection with onlya limited number of embodiments, it should be readily understood thatthe invention is not limited to such disclosed embodiments. Rather, theinvention can be modified to incorporate any number of variations,alterations, substitutions or equivalent arrangements not heretoforedescribed, but which are commensurate with the spirit and scope of theinvention. Additionally, while various embodiments of the invention havebeen described, it is to be understood that aspects of the invention mayinclude only some of the described embodiments. Accordingly, theinvention is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing description.

Having thus described the invention, it is claimed:
 1. A system forcombining image data of an object, comprising: a memory device having amatrix with first, second, third and fourth raw image data storedtherein, a first row of the matrix having the first and second raw imagedata therein, a second row of the matrix having the third and fourth rawimage data therein, a first column of the matrix having the first andthird raw image data therein, at least a portion of the first and secondraw image data overlapping each other, at least a portion of the thirdand fourth raw image data overlapping each other, at least a portion ofthe first and third raw image data overlapping each other, and at leasta portion of the second and fourth raw image data overlapping eachother; a computing device operably coupled to the memory device, thecomputing device configured to generate first, second, third, and fourthcomplex pupil data based on the first, second, third and fourth rawimage data, respectively; if first combined synthetic pupil data cannotbe generated based on the first and second complex pupil data, then: thecomputing device further configured to generate second combinedsynthetic pupil data based on the first and third complex pupil data;the computing device further configured to generate third combinedsynthetic pupil data based on the third and fourth complex pupil data;the computing device further configured to generate fourth combinedsynthetic pupil data based on the second and fourth complex pupil data;and the computing device further configured to store the second, third,and fourth combined synthetic pupil data in the memory device, whereinthe computing device is further configured to: apply a Fourier transformto at least one of the second, third, or fourth combined synthetic pupildata to obtain synthetic image plane data; and provide for display, in adisplay device, an image, wherein the image is based at least on thesynthetic image plane data.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein thecomputing device is further configured to: apply a first Fouriertransform to the first raw image data to obtain first image plane data;select a portion of the first image plane data and center the portion ofthe first image plane data and apply a second Fourier transform to theportion of the first image plane data to obtain the first complex pupildata; apply a third Fourier transform to the third raw image data toobtain second image plane data; and select a portion of the second imageplane data and center the portion of the second image plane data andapply a fourth Fourier transform to the portion of the second imageplane data to obtain the second complex pupil data.
 3. The system ofclaim 2, wherein the computing device is further configured to determinean X-axis offset value, a Y-axis offset value, and a yaw rotation offsetvalue between the first and second complex pupil data.
 4. The system ofclaim 3, wherein the computing device is further configured to: apply afifth Fourier transform to the first complex pupil data to obtain theportion of the first image plane data; apply a sixth Fourier transformto the second complex pupil data to obtain the portion of the secondimage plane data; and determine a pitch angle offset value and a rollangle offset value between the first and second image plane data.
 5. Thesystem of claim 4, wherein the computing device is further configured todetermine a Z-axis offset value between the first and second image planedata.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the computing device is furtherconfigured to: determine a correlation value associated with the firstand third complex pupil data utilizing the X-axis offset value, theY-axis offset value, the yaw rotation offset value, the pitch angleoffset value, the roll angle offset value, and the Z-axis offset value;and if the correlation value is greater than a threshold value, thengenerate the second combined synthetic pupil data based on the first andthird complex pupil data.
 7. A system for combining image data of anobject, comprising: a memory device having a matrix with first, second,third and fourth raw image data stored therein, a first row of thematrix having the first and second raw image data therein, a second rowof the matrix having the third and fourth raw image data therein, afirst column of the matrix having the first and third raw image datatherein, at least a portion of the first and second raw image dataoverlapping each other, at least a portion of the third and fourth rawimage data overlapping each other, at least a portion of the first andthird raw image data overlapping each other, and at least a portion ofthe second and fourth raw image data overlapping each other; a computingdevice operably coupled to the memory device, the computing deviceconfigured to generate first, second, third, and fourth complex pupildata based on the first, second, third and fourth raw image data,respectively; if first combined synthetic pupil data cannot be generatedbased on the first and third complex pupil data, then: the computingdevice further configured to generate second combined synthetic pupildata based on the third and fourth complex pupil data; the computingdevice further configured to generate third combined synthetic pupildata based on the second and fourth complex pupil data; the computingdevice further configured to generate fourth combined synthetic pupildata based on the first and second complex pupil data; and the computingdevice further configured to store the second, third, and fourthcombined synthetic pupil data in the memory device, wherein thecomputing device is further configured to: apply a Fourier transform toat least one of the second, third, or fourth combined synthetic pupildata to obtain synthetic image plane data; and provide for display, in adisplay device, an image, wherein the image is based at least on thesynthetic image plane data.
 8. A system for combining image data of anobject, comprising: a memory device having a matrix with first, second,third and fourth raw image data stored therein, a first row of thematrix having the first and second raw image data therein, a second rowof the matrix having the third and fourth raw image data therein, afirst column of the matrix having the first and third raw image datatherein, at least a portion of the first and second raw image dataoverlapping each other, at least a portion of the third and fourth rawimage data overlapping each other, at least a portion of the first andthird raw image data overlapping each other, and at least a portion ofthe second and fourth raw image data overlapping each other; a computingdevice operably coupled to the memory device, the computing deviceconfigured to generate first, second, third, and fourth complex pupildata based on the first, second, third and fourth raw image data,respectively; the computing device further configured to generate firstcombined synthetic pupil data based on the first and second complexpupil data; the computing device further configured to generate secondcombined synthetic pupil data based on the first and third complex pupildata; the computing device further configured to determine a firstcorrelation value between the third and fourth complex pupil data; thecomputing device further configured to determine a second correlationvalue between the second and fourth complex pupil data; if the firstcorrelation value is greater than the second correlation value, then thecomputing device further configured to only generate third combinedsynthetic pupil data based on the third and fourth complex pupil data;the computing device further configured to store the first, second, andthird combined synthetic pupil data in the memory device; the computingdevice further configured to apply a Fourier transform to at least oneof the first, second, or third combined synthetic pupil data to obtainsynthetic image plane data; and the computing device provide fordisplay, in a display device, an image, wherein the image is based atleast on the synthetic image plane data.